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CAK → ORD
Which side of the plane to sit from Akron Canton Regional Airport (Akron) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a superior vantage point for the transition from the rolling hills of Ohio to the dramatic Lake Michigan shoreline and the iconic Chicago skyline during the descent.
Lake Erie Shoreline
Distant views of the shoreline, with occasional glimpses of the Sandusky area and the Lake Erie islands to the north.
Lake Michigan Coastline
A striking contrast between the deep blue of the lake and the dense urban sprawl of the Chicago suburbs.
Chicago Skyline
Breathtaking views of the Willis Tower and the high-rises of the Loop during the base and final approach into O'Hare.
Chicago River
During lower altitude maneuvers, the winding path of the Chicago River is often visible cutting through the city's grid.
This is the 'skyline side.' For the best lighting on the Chicago buildings, book a morning flight when the sun is behind the plane, illuminating the city towers. During O'Hare's standard easterly arrival flow, this side provides the most direct and clear views of the downtown architecture.
Northeast Ohio Suburbs
The initial ascent provides views of the wooded residential areas and rolling terrain surrounding Akron and Canton.
Indiana Agricultural Grid
A vast, geometric patchwork of Midwest farmland and small rural towns stretching across Northern Indiana.
South Chicago Industry
The massive steel mills and heavy industrial infrastructure of Gary and Hammond near the lake's southern tip.
Choose this side if you are flying during the late afternoon to witness a beautiful sunset over the horizon. It is also the best side for observing the massive scale of the Midwest's industrial heartland as you approach the Illinois border.
Distance: 551 km (342 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 55 min
Departure: CAK (40.91609954833984, -81.44219970703125)
Arrival: ORD (41.9786, -87.9048)
Route Type: Domestic
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